Live Review: Slowdive with Drab Majesty

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
​Edited by Fiza Javid

The Riviera Theatre Chicago
Tues 10/3/23

Slowdive with Drab Majesty: The double bill you've been waiting for-and then some.

Hard to explain without getting a bit nutty to the average lay person, the defining nature of a life affirming performance from two bands such as this, let alone feeling the positive vibes throughout the venue such as the Riviera Theatre, the overall mood of cordialness, and respect for one another, let alone both bands bringing along their catalogs of sonic dreamscapes that can knock your socks off, and forget your troubles for a few hours.

Visually, musically, sonically, mesmerizingly, the show was brilliant throughout, impressive with bringing on the emotional textures needed to make things work, make things memorable.

Headliners Slowdive, with Rachel Goswell on vocals/ guitar/ keyboards and tambourine front and center, and to her immediate left- Nick Chaplin on bass and also Neil Halstead on shared vocals and guitar, along with Christian Savill on guitar, and Simon Scott on drums- the band is tight, the band is ready to transport you throughout their set.

Everything comes across gentle- the whispers, the beauty in sustained drums, let alone the guitar sonics of beauty emanating from Neil and his assortment of guitar pedals, as any sonic weaver of his stature needs to elevate things on a moment's notice.

The setlist, 14 songs in total including encore, and a cool cover from Syd Barrett to end the set- "Sister Golden Hair", which should tell you  lots in where their hearts lay, and who they respect (amongst many others).

Full fledged and back working as a band, since 2017, up to the present day and their latest release, "Everything Is Alive", which is well respected throughout their set, with the singles "Kisses", and "The Slab", which was unfortunately cut short a bit because of technical issues.

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Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Slowdive - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

But the album- clearly Slowdive have no need to rush anything without thinking things through.

The album is solid, pure escapism with impressive songwriting front and center.
I can go into detail that would be wormhole related, the beauty of this band, even when coming out of hard times of personal loss, personal struggles.

But that diminishes the thoughtfulness throughout in my opinion, and the fact that they're carrying and soldiering on, as all good musicians and songwriters do- taking moments of heartbreak, and somewhat getting your shit together, and doing your best to overcome.

Such is the case with Slowdive, and we should be so lucky that they're still here.
So to put it in layman's terms- how about "Scrumptious melodies throughout"- both old and new.

The back catalog is well represented, what with "Star Roving", "Catch the Breeze" and "Souvlaki Pace Station" in particular as standouts.
Lovely to hear "Alison" in full glory as well.

Just so joyful, hearing them perform live, especially in such an intimate theatre such as the Riv.
Same can be said with Deb Demure and Mona D of Drab Majesty.
Even though just seven songs for their set, they bring the majesty that's in their name Drab Majesty.

An aloofness detachment, both Deb and Mona, a compelling and sincere music collective, which in my opinion, holds no barriers or boundaries to this and that, the somewhat anonymous detachment being able to convey things freely, and allowing the opportunities to expand on any ideas whatsoever, limits be damned.

Which makes them even more enduring, the back catalog along with their latest ep "An Object in Motion" being just as fresh and clean as their earlier work.

Opening with "Dot in the Sky", followed by "Oxytocin", and then into "Ellipsis", let alone "Cold Souls"..all of these songs hold such power and grace with solid rhythms, not dated whatsoever.

And such a delight to have Rachel Goswell come out to sing shared vocal in "Vanity", a song that's like a breath of fresh air, just so delicate and serene.
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Their entire set- a swirling mix of sonic delights, accompanied with visuals that enhance, and make things even more cool and artsy.
So both bands-
Yes-
They deliver on all counts, assuring us yet again that they're creative as all get out, with lots and lots to say.

New sounds with new ideas, which leads to otherworldly realms- which for me, is oh so pleasurable.

Clearly one of the shows of the year for me.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

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Slowdive, Rachel Goswell, Neil Halstead, Drab Majesty, Deb Demure, Mona D, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine